NATURAL A stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling and polishing.
MAN-MADE Gemstones created by artificial means in a laboratory, many times to simulate a natural stone's characteristics.
HEATED The stones are subjected to the use of heat to alter color or increase clarity. Heating can also be used to lighten or darken a stone.
DYED Stones are treated with a dye to alter or enhance their color.
COMPOSITE The creation of a gemstone by assembling and cementing several materials together.
STABILIZED Stones undergo a process that involves putting them under pressure, forcing them to absorb a filler, such as an epoxy, resulting in a harder stone. Sometimes, stabilization also prevents a stone's color from fading.
You'll note some other terms when browsing the Dakota Stones website that are helpful to understand, as is the process behind each.
MATTE stones undergo additional tumbling that require the same skill and craftsmanship as polishing, with the artisans understanding the requirements for each stone type. The matte finish also creates a a variation in color from the traditional finish.
DIAMOND CUT stones are faceted with diamond drill bits for sharper and more precise facets that produce more sparkle than a conventionally faceted stone.
DS Premier collection stones are exclusively designed, cut and produced by Dakota Stones. They are cut from unique and premium rough materials to exacting specifications to create one of a kind beads. Please note that many strands in the DS Premiere collection are unique and may only be available in limited quantities.
8-inch continuity line is composed entirely of stone types and cuts that we can continue to source. This line is perfect for designers to replicate designs in quantity. We also specialize in unique shapes cut for consistency. All holes are laser-drilled for smooth edges.
STAR CUT stones combine the traditional round and faceted round with fewer facets to create a more modern cut. The 24-Facet Cut (also known as "Rose Cut") eliminates excess weight without sacrificing visual impact.
CABOCHONS are cut and shaped by hand to precise dimensions that coincide with commercially available pre-fabricated bezels and settings. The consistency is also meant to help designers create continuity within pieces that need to be sold at a large volume.
ROUGH CUT, HAND FACETED and SIMPLE CUT stones are individually shaped and cut by skilled artisans. Each stone type needs to be treated differently in the cutting process, as the hardness of the stone and its formation dictate the way the stone is handled and its suitability for different cuts.
Our more advanced drilling technique also results in smoother edges and less potential abrasion to stringing materials.
